Source: Daily_Mail
Benitez ready to offload Riera to Moscow after 'sinking ship' outburst
[LNB]Hot water: Albert Riera[LNB]Rafael Benitez remains determined to offload Albert Riera and has lined up a deal to sell him to Spartak Moscow by the end of the week. [LNB]As reports in Italy yesterday suggested Benitez's days at Anfield are also numbered, the Liverpool boss responded to criticism from Riera and the winger's recent bust-up with a reserve-team player by seeking to push through a quick sale. [LNB]Riera returns to training at Melwood today after he was banned from the club on Thursday for describing Liverpool as a 'sinking ship' in an interview with a Spanish radio station and claiming that Benitez refused to speak to him. [LNB]The Liverpool boss has been keen to offload Riera for some time and now hopes to take advantage of Russia's transfer deadline being extended until April 8 to try and recoup the £6m he paid Espanyol in the summer of 2008. [LNB]A move to Moscow might also appeal to the unsettled Riera whose wife Yulia Koroleva is from Russia.However, it is a problem Benitez could do without as he tries to revive Liverpool's bid for a top-four place following Sunday's defeat at Manchester United. [LNB]Although Jamie Carragher insisted yesterday that Liverpool can still finish above Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa, the latest blow to Benitez's hopes of claiming a Champions League berth has increased speculation over his future on Merseyside. [LNB]The Spaniard no longer enjoys the support he once had at Anfield, and his frustration over the ongoing ownership issue and tight financial constraints mean there is no guarantee he will stay beyond the end of the season. [LNB] Exit? Rafael Benitez [LNB]Benitez admitted he was flattered by interest from Juventus in January, and reports in Italy yesterday claimed that fresh talks had taken place between the Turin club and his representatives in London over the weekend. [LNB]In dismissing speculation that City manager Roberto Mancini could replace beleaguered caretaker boss Alberto Zaccheroni, Juve's deputy director general Roberto Bettega did not rule out his old friend Benitez as a possible candidate. [LNB]Bettaga said: 'We must not ignore the current situation but at the same time it would be wrong not to think of the future. My task is not saying what is Juve's problem but acting on it. [LNB]Defiant: Jamie Carragher [LNB]'It's not a question of names, but of certain choices and ideas. I have those clear in my head.' [LNB]With Real Madrid and Inter Milan mentioned as other possible destinations for Benitez, he is unlikely to rush into a decision - especially with Juve struggling for a Champions League place themselves after Sunday's defeat to Sampdoria left them sixth in Serie A. [LNB]Carragher still believes Liverpool can secure the top-four finish Benitez had guaranteed earlier in the season despite their 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford. [LNB]He said: 'Of course we believe we can still close the gap. Tottenham and Man City will both have difficult spells and we have got to make sure we take maximum points when they do. [LNB]'Maybe there will be more criticism of us now and at a club like Liverpool, the pressure is never off. Things are a bit more difficult but we have still got lots of points to play for. [LNB]'The squad hasn't been strong enough for one reason or another this season but it was still a big ask to come here after that run, particularly as United had all week to prepare. [LNB]'We were playing against a top side and ran them close. It's really disappointing to lose. But this was the most difficult fixture we had before the end of the season.' [LNB] Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez claims Javier Mascherano is close to agreeing new dealCarragher vows Liverpool will finish fourth despite 10th defeat of season Lille ace Hazard admits he's flattered by Arsenal and Liverpool interest [LNB]
